The killer socks of 1868.
Category: Health
I tell the curious story of Victorian arsenic in socks, when surgeons and chemists exposed poisonous hosiery. I follow Dr Webber, Alderman Dakin's scepticism, tests on aniline dyes, a ballet dancer case and animal experiments. A short history of 19th century textile poisoning and public health inquiry.
Rolly's Take
For the inquisitive soul enchanted by history's darker threads, this blog peels back the layers of Victorian life, revealing a world where beauty could be lethal. It speaks to those who appreciate the curious interplay of science and society, where even the most mundane items—like socks—carry the weight of public health and human folly. Here, the past whispers lessons, both cautionary and bizarre, inviting you to tread carefully through the vibrant tapestry of bygone eras.